Single view presentation of multiple queries in a data visualization application

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a method, system and computer program product for single view presentation of multiple query. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for single view presentation of multiple query includes directing a query against a database along a selected dimension of multiple different elements. In response, a primary result set is received. The result set is then organized into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and values for the selected dimension. Thereafter, a set of nested queries may be directed for each of the elements in the selected dimension against the result set utilizing a different dimension. In response to each directed set of nested queries, a corresponding result set is thus received. Finally, each corresponding result set is inserted into a cell associated with a common one of the elements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This U.S. patent application is a continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/666,736, filed on Oct. 29, 2019 The disclosure of this prior application is considered part of the disclosure of this application and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to the field of data visualization and more particularly to the visualization of complex nested database queries. Data visualization refers to the graphical expression of one or more relationships between data in a collection of data. A most typical form of a collection of data is a database in which data is stored, and in many cases, managed by a separate application such as a database management system. The conventional database management system provides a programmatic user interface through which database queries may be received from other computing processes local or remote, and from which results to those queries may be provided to the querying computing processes.

A common form of a query selects a set of records in a database for consideration, a dimension, e.g. a primary field of interest in the set of records of the database, and a measure, e.g. a value for a corresponding secondary field of interest in a result set of records. Filtering and limiting criteria also may be specified in addition to a sorting directive as to how to sort a presentation of the result set of records, and aggregate functions operating upon the returned measures amongst the set of records returned in response to the query. Notably, different visualizations of the measure relative to the dimension may be provided including the venerable pie chart, line graph and bar chart visualizations.

As in the natural world, in most instances, a single query is not enough to answer a real-world question corresponding to the query. Rather, multiple queries are required. In many instances, each successive query amongst the multiple queries depends upon a result set of a prior query—thus the notion of a nest query in which a successive query or even successive queries, depend upon a result set of a prior query. Visualizing a single query in a user interface typically is of no consequence, but for visualizing multiple queries, the opposite is true.

Indeed, visualizing multiple queries in a single user interface view requires significant optimization of the user interface so that not only does each visualization for each query enjoy adequate screen space within the user interface, but also that the dependency relationship of each visualization is apparent. So much has proven ineffective to date. Thus, the end user is left in a state of confusion, unable to correlate the visualization of one query with one or more of its counterparts present. The result is a failure to holistically interpret the result sets of the various queries.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the present disclosure address deficiencies of the art in respect to database query result set visualization of multiple database queries, and provide a novel and non-obvious method, system and computer program product for single view presentation of multiple query. In an embodiment of the disclosure, a method for single view presentation of multiple query includes directing a query against a database along a selected dimension of multiple different elements. In response, a primary result set is received. The result set is then organized into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and values for the selected dimension. Thereafter, a set of nested queries may be directed for each of the elements in the selected dimension against the result set utilizing a different dimension. In a response to each directed set of nested queries, a corresponding result set is thus received. Finally, each corresponding result set is inserted into a cell associated with a common one of the elements.

In one aspect of the embodiment, a graph may be generated for each corresponding result set. Subsequently, the graph for each corresponding result set may be inserted into a cell associated with a common one of the elements.

In another aspect of the embodiment, a different set of nested queries may be directed for each of the elements in the selected dimension against the result set utilizing an additional dimension. In response to each directed different set of nested queries, a different corresponding result set is then received and a different graph generated for each corresponding different result set. Finally, the generated different graph for each corresponding different result set may be inserted into a cell associated with a common one of the elements.

Other aspects of the embodiment include limiting each corresponding result set to a maximum number of values.

Yet further aspects of the embodiment include directing the set of nested queries for each of the elements in the selected dimension against the result set utilizing a different dimension in response to a selection of a dimensionalization menu entry in a pop-up menu for the tabular view. In this regard, the dimensionalization menu entry upon selection may present a dialog box providing for a selection of a sort order of each corresponding result set.

In another embodiment of the disclosure, a data visualization data processing system is configured for single view presentation of multiple query. The system includes a host computing system with one or more computers, each with memory and at least one processor. The system also includes a database coupled to the host computing system and storing data therein. The system yet further includes a database visualization application executing in the memory of the host computing system and adapted to issue queries against the database and receive result sets in response to the queries. Finally, the system includes a single view dimensionalization module coupled to the application.

The module includes computer program instructions that when executing in the memory of the host computing system directs the database visualization application to query the database along a selected dimension of multiple different elements and receiving in response, a primary result set, organizes the result set into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and values for the selected dimension, directs the database visualization application to perform a set of nested queries for each of the elements in the selected dimension against the result set utilizing a different dimension and receives in response to each directed set of nested queries, a corresponding result set. Finally, the program instructions insert each corresponding result set into a cell associated with a common one of the elements.

Additional aspects of the disclosure will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the disclosure. The aspects of the disclosure will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The embodiments illustrated herein are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the disclosure is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown, wherein:

FIGS. 1A and 1B, taken together, are a pictorial illustration of a process for single view presentation of multiple query in a data visualization application;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a data visualization computer data processing system adapted for single view presentation of multiple query; and,

FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for single view presentation of multiple query in a data visualization application.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide for single view presentation of multiple queries in a data visualization application. In accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure, a database query is formulated along a selected dimension of multiple different elements of data in a database and issued to a database management system of the database. In response, a primary result set for the query is received and organized into a tabular view of cells according to the selected dimension and those values for the selected dimension present in the result set. Thereafter, a set of nested queries may be directed for each of the elements in the selected dimension against the result set utilizing a different dimension of the multiple elements of data in the database. Consequently, a corresponding result set is received from the database management system for each one of the directed sets of nested queries.

Each corresponding result set then may be inserted into a cell associated with a common one of the elements of data in the database and preferably, a graph is generated for each corresponding result set and inserted into a cell associated with a common one of the elements in lieu of the insertion of the corresponding result set. In this way, a single tabular view of the multiple different result sets from multiple nested queries based upon the result set of prior queries may be arranged for viewing in one place presenting a large amount of data without the need for separate graphical views for each of the queries and while visually associating each nested result with a source query from the result had been derived.

In further illustration, FIG. 1A pictorially shows a process for single view presentation of multiple query in a data visualization application. As shown in FIG. 1A, an instance 100A of a database exploration user interface is presented in connection with the visualization of data in a selected database. The instance 100A permits user interaction with a visualization configuration portion 110 of the instance 100A through which a dimension and a particular one of a set of measures 120 may be specified along with aggregation, sorting and limiting functions in formulating and directing execution of a query to the selected database. A result set for the executed query is then presented as a visualization 140 in a tabular view. The result set may be subjected to one or more filters 130 as shown herein.

Upon selection of a dimensionalization menu entry in the visualization configuration portion of the instance 110, a set of nested sub-queries for the result set may be specified including the specification of an additional dimension as can be seen. As well, one or more filters 150 further may be specified. In response to the dimensionalization directive, a sub-query consistent with the selected additional dimension is generated for each result set of the previously executed query presented as the visualization 140 in the tabular view. The sub-results may be subjected to additional aggregation such as a top N results, a sum, average or other such aggregation. Sub-results are received for each sub-query and optionally, a graphical representation of the sub-results is generated. Then, each of the graphical representations are included in an expanded form of the visualization 140 in a new instance 100B of the database exploration user interface, and in correspondence to a sub-result to which a sub-query for the graphical representation had been directed.

As it will be apparent, and as shown in FIG. 1B in respect to an instance 100C of the database exploration user interface, further nested sub-queries may be initiated by selecting yet additional dimensions when directing a dimensionalization of the result set of the original query, or any sub-queries thereafter. As well, each sub-query conducted as part of a dimensionalization may be filtered differently so as to produce different result sets which may be included in a different column of the tabular view of the instance 100B. Even further, graph for each sub-query conducted as part of a dimensionalization may be a result of a pivoted form of a prior query, but presented in a same row as a graph of the prior query. In this way, multiple different query views for multiple different measures of one or even two dimensions may be visualized in a single view with the relationship therebetween evident from the placement of each visualization in association with each other visualization relating to a common element of a result set of an initial query.

The process shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B may be implemented within a data visualization computer data processing system. In yet further illustration, FIG. 2 schematically shows a data visualization computer data processing system adapted for single view presentation of multiple query. The system includes a host computing platform 210 of one or more computers, each with memory and at least one processor. The host computing platform 210 is coupled over computer communications network 240 to a database 220 managed by database management system executing in a separate computer 230. A data visualization application 250 executes in the memory of the host computing platform 210 and provides data visualization functionality to different client computers 260 over the computer communications network 240 by way of respectively different data visualization clients 270.

Of note, a single view module 300 is coupled to the data visualization application 250. The single view module 300 includes computer program instructions that when executing in the memory of the host computing platform 210 are enabled to receive an initial query specifying a dimension and measure for a specified table in the database 220, including by way of example, an aggregation function such as a sum, average or other aggregation. In consequence, the single view module 300 is enabled to direct the data visualization application 250 to transmit the query to the database management system 230 and to receive, in turn, an initial result set of records which may then be organized in a tabular view in which each row of the tabular view reflects a single record in the initial result set, and in which the rows are sorted according to a specified sort order of the query, and further in which the rows are limited to a specified number of records as set forth in the query.

The program instructions additionally are enabled to respond to a selection of a dimensionalization directive by identifying a different dimension within the directive and formulating a sub-query based upon the different dimension. As well, the program instructions execute the sub-query against each measure of the initial result set so as to produce a secondary result set for each measure—namely each record of the tabular view. Thereafter, a graph may be generated for each secondary result set for each measure in accordance with a graph type selection specified as part of the dimensionalization directive. Finally, the program code is enabled to augment the tabular view with a new column and to insert in each row of the new column, one of the generated graphs that corresponds to one of the measures of the initial result set for which the secondary result set reflected by the generated graph had been procured in consequence of the sub-query.

In even yet further illustration of the operation of the single view presentation module, FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for single view presentation of multiple query in a data visualization application. Beginning in block 310, an initial query is received specifying a table, dimension and measure. In block 320, optionally, filter criteria, a record limit and/or a sorting criteria is determined in the initial query. In block 330, the initial query is then executed against a database specified in the initial query so that a result set is returned. In block 340, the result set is visualized in a tabular view of a set of records associating each record of the specified dimension with a corresponding measured value.

In block 350, a dimensionalization directive is received in a user interface to the data visualization application. In response, a dimension is determined for the directive and in block 370, a nested query is formed for each result in the initial result set. A secondary result set is then received in block 380 for each result of the initial result set. In block 390 a graph is generated for each secondary result set. Then, in block 400 each generated graph is inserted into a row of a cell of a new column of the tabular view corresponding to a result of the result set of the initial query common to the secondary result set of the secondary query.

The present disclosure may be embodied within a system, a method, a computer program product or any combination thereof. The computer program product may include a computer readable storage medium or media having computer readable program instructions thereon for causing a processor to carry out aspects of the present disclosure. The computer readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but is not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

Computer readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded to respective computing/processing devices from a computer readable storage medium or to an external computer or external storage device via a network. The computer readable program instructions may execute entirely on the user's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer or entirely on the remote computer or server. Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the disclosure. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer readable program instructions.

These computer readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks. These computer readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer readable storage medium that in can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and/or other devices to function in a particular manner, such that the computer readable storage medium having instructions stored therein includes an article of manufacture including instructions which implement aspects of the function/act specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The computer readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implemented process, such that the instructions which execute on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other device implement the functions/acts specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram block or blocks.

The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s) in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

Finally, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “includes” and/or “including,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosure in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the disclosure and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the disclosure for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Having described the disclosure of the present application in detail and by reference to embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims as follows. 

What we claim is:
 1. A computer-implemented method when executed by data processing hardware causes the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: receiving a query indicating a first dimension; receiving a set of nested sub-queries, each nested sub-query in the set of nested sub-queries corresponding to the query and indicating a second dimension; querying, using the query and the set of nested sub-queries, a database; receiving, from the database; a set of primary results corresponding to the query; and a set of nested results corresponding to the set of nested sub-queries; organizing the set of primary results into a tabular view of cells according to the first dimension; and organizing the set of nested results into the tabular view of cells according to the second dimension and the organization of the set of primary results.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the query comprises an indication of the database.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the operations further comprise, for each nested result of the set of nested results: generating a graph; and inserting the graph into a respective cell of the tabular view of cells associated with the nested result of the set of nested results.
 4. The method of claim 3, wherein the operations further comprise, for each nested result of the set of nested results: receiving a second set of nested sub-queries, each nested sub-query in the second set of nested sub-queries indicating a third dimension; querying, using the second set of nested sub-queries, the database; receiving, from the database, a second set of nested results, generating, using the second set of nested results, a second graph; and inserting the second graph into a second respective cell of the tabular view of cells associated with the second set of nested results.
 5. The method of claim 3, wherein the graph for each nested result of the nested result set comprises a pivoted form of a prior query.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the query comprises at least one of: a filter; a measure; or a limit.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving the set of nested sub-queries is in response to a selection of a dimensionalization menu entry in a pop-up menu.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the dimensionalization menu entry, in response to selection, displays a dialog box for selection of a sort order for each corresponding nested result of the set of nested results.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the tabular view of cells is organized in a set of rows and a set of columns.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein: each primary result of the set of primary results corresponds to a row of the set of rows of the tabular view of cells; and each nested result of the set of nested results corresponds to a column of the set of columns of the tabular view of cells.
 11. A system comprising data processing hardware; and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware, the memory hardware storing instructions that when executed on the data processing hardware cause the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising: receiving a query indicating a first dimension; receiving a set of nested sub-queries, each nested sub-query in the set of nested sub-queries corresponding to the query and indicating a second dimension; querying, using the query and the set of nested sub-queries, a database; receiving, from the database: a set of primary results corresponding to the query; and a set of nested results corresponding to the set of nested sub-queries; and organizing the set of primary results a tabular view of cells according to the first dimension; and organizing the set of nested results into the tabular view of cells according to the second dimension and the organization of the set of primary results.
 12. The system of claim 11, wherein the query comprises an indication of the database.
 13. The system of claim 11, wherein the operations further comprise, for each nested result of the set of nested results: generating a graph; and inserting the graph into a respective cell of the tabular view of cells associated with the nested result of the set of nested results.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the operations further comprise, for each nested result of the set of nested results: receiving a second set of nested sub-queries, each nested sub-query in the second set of nested sub-queries indicating a third dimension; querying, using the second set of nested sub-queries, the database; receiving, from the database, a second set of nested results; generating, using the second set of nested results, a second graph; and inserting the second graph into a second respective cell of the tabular view of cells associated with the second set of nested results.
 15. The system of claim 13, wherein the graph for each nested result of the nested result set comprises a pivoted form of a prior query.
 16. The system of claim 11, wherein the query comprises at least one of: a filter; a measure; or a limit.
 17. The system of claim 11, wherein receiving the set of nested sub-queries is in response to a selection of a dimensionalization menu entry in a pop-up menu.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the dimensionalization menu entry, in response to selection, displays a dialog box for selection of a sort order for each corresponding nested result of the set of nested results.
 19. The system of claim 11, wherein the tabular view of cells is organized in a set of rows and a set of columns.
 20. The system of claim 19, wherein: each primary result of the set of primary results corresponds to a row of the set of rows of the tabular view of cells; and each nested result of the set of nested results corresponds to a column of the set of columns of the tabular view of cells. 